Systems and methods for expedited session setup of a wireless session

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods presented herein provide for expediting a setup of a wireless session. In one embodiment, a method comprises intercepting setup information for a wireless session from a mobile core (e.g., operated by an MNO) servicing the UE, initiating a communication session between a Modem Termination System (MTS) and a modem based on the intercepted setup information to support a forthcoming wireless session, and providing the wireless session through the communication session setup.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to, and thus the benefit of anearlier filing date from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.62/357,770 (filed Jul. 1, 2016), 62/345,634 (filed Jun. 3, 2016),62/353,755 (filed Jun. 3, 2016), 62/339,463 (filed May 20, 2016),62/306,360 (filed Mar. 10, 2016), the entire contents of each of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) operate a mobile core to providewireless service to a variety of wireless user equipment (UEs, such ascell phones, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc.). The wirelessnetworks of these MNOs exist in a variety of forms and operate using avariety of modulations, signaling techniques, and protocols, such asthose found in Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks.Some MNOs even operate with Multiple-System Operators (MSOs),Telecommunications Companies (telcos), satellite operators (includinghigh speed satellite broadband services), fiber operators, and UAVinternet providers, collectively referred to as “Operators”. Forexample, Operators routinely provide internet services to the MNOs forbackhaul traffic, while the MNO provides wireless services for theOperator. In addition, some Operators operate both the wired servicesand MNO services.

Now, Operators are even providing “small cells” such that a UE cancommunicate through its MNO via the Operator. For example, an MSO maydeploy an antenna/interface that a UE can communicate with via itsrespective wireless protocol. The MSO packages the communicationsbetween the UE and the MNO's mobile core via the MSO's protocol, forexample Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS).However, inefficiencies in the communication session setups of theOperator and the MNO create latencies that negatively affect the user'sQuality of Experience (QoE).

SUMMARY

Systems and methods presented herein provide for expediting the setup ofa wireless service through a request-grant based communication link, forexample, a DOCSIS communication link. In one embodiment, a methodcomprises intercepting setup information for a wireless session from amobile core (e.g., operated by an MNO) servicing the UE, initiating acommunication session between a Modem Termination System (MTS) and amodem based on the intercepted setup information to support aforthcoming wireless session, and providing the wireless session throughthe communication session setup.

Other embodiments contemplated utilizing an optical network. An opticalnetwork may be formed with, for example, an Optical Network Terminal(ONT) or an Optical Line Termination (OLT), and an Optical Network Unit(ONU), and may utilize optical protocols such as EPON, RFOG, or GPON.Embodiments also contemplated exist in other communication systemscapable of backhauling traffic, for example, a satellite operator'scommunication system. To simplify description, a termination unit suchas a CMTS, an ONT, an OLT, a Network Termination Units, a SatelliteTermination Units, and other termination systems are collectively calleda “Modem Termination System (MTS)”. To simplify description a modem unitsuch as a satellite modem, a modem, an Optical Network Units (ONU), aDSL unit, etc. collectively called a “modem.” Further, to simplifydescription a protocol such as DOCSIS, EPON, RFOG, GPON, SatelliteInternet Protocol, is called a “protocol.”

In an embodiment, the UE is an LTE wireless device, although it will beunderstood that the present invention is equally applicable for use with2G, 3G, 5G, Wi-Fi and other wireless protocol systems.

The various embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in a varietyof ways as a matter of design choice. For example, some embodimentsherein are implemented in hardware whereas other embodiments may includeprocesses that are operable to implement and/or operate the hardware.Other exemplary embodiments, including software and firmware, aredescribed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way ofexample only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The samereference number represents the same element or the same type of elementon all drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless service link throughan MTS.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process operable withthe MTS of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary communication diagram of the wireless servicelink of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system in which acomputer readable medium provides instructions for performing methodsherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication system operable toimplement the embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary communication diagram of the wireless servicelink employing Wi-Fi.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary communication diagram of the wireless servicelink of FIG. 1 illustrating a network initiated session.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures and the following description illustrate specific exemplaryembodiments of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that thoseskilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that,although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principlesof the invention and are included within the scope of the invention.Furthermore, any examples described herein are intended to aid inunderstanding the principles of the invention and are to be construed asbeing without limitation to such specifically recited examples andconditions. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments or examples described below. For example, the followingdescription is discussed as applied to an LTE-DOCSIS cooperative networkfor expediting the setup of a wireless service through a request-grantbased communication link between a user device and a wireless core. Itwill be appreciated that the present latency reduction in the wirelessservice system and method may equally be applied in systems utilizingmacrocells, Wi-Fi, satellite communication systems, optical backhaulsystems (EPON, GPON, RFOG), MU-MIMO, laser communication, and evenaerial vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and balloons thatprovide wireless and/or laser communication. That is, the presentinvention may be used in many wireless-to-backhaul systems where atleast one of the wireless system or backhaul system utilizes arequest-grant protocol for data transmission.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless service link. Thewireless service link may include a mediator 101 in communication withan MTS 106. It will be understood that mediator 101 may be integratedwith or communicatively coupled with MTS 106. The MTS 106 may be, forexample, a CMTS, a Fiber Node, a Fiber Hub, an optical network unit(ONU), or other termination device. Mediator 101 may be implemented, forexample, as a software agent in any of such devices. If mediator 101 isintegrated with an MTS, integration may be via software or hardware.

A UE 105 may wirelessly communicate with other UEs (not shown) in awireless service network for the purpose of transmitting and/orreceiving data. A mobile core 107 (e.g., operated by an MNO) controlsthe operations of the UE 105 within the wireless network. This includes,among other things, managing subscription information (e.g., datacommunication, data plans, roaming, international calling, etc.) andensuring that the UE 105 can initiate or receive data sessions andtransmit data within the wireless network.

Mediator 101 is implemented with a Communication Session System (CSS)104 having a CSS interceptor 108 and a CSS processor. Mediator 101, viaCSS 104, is operable to intercept and process messages, such as but notlimited to LTE messages, between UE 105 and mobile core 107. CSSinterceptor 108 is operable to intercept a request for a wirelesssession between UE 105 and the mobile core 107 servicing UE 105. In anembodiment, CSS processor 109 processes CSS interceptor 108 interceptedsetup information from the mobile core 107, which is generated inresponse to the request. Based on the intercepted setup information CSSprocessor 109 initiates a backhaul communication session (also called a“communication session” herein) between the modem 102 and the MTS 106 todeliver the wireless session through the communication session. CSSprocessor 109 initiates the communication session prior to, during, orclose it time to when the wireless session is set-up such that theset-up process time, that of both the communication session and thewireless session, is reduced. In one embodiment, the set-up of thebackhaul communication session and the wireless session occur at leastpartially in parallel, thereby reducing the set-up process time.

The CSS 104 may process the intercepted message and generate orotherwise provide data to MTS 106 such that MTS 106 may establish acommunication session and a Quality of Service for the communicationsession between itself and the modem 102. This may be done prior to, inparallel to, or close in time to the establishment of a wireless sessionby the mobile core 107 with UE 105, see below for more details. One ormore of the components of the mediator 101 and CSS 104 may be integratedor in communication with the MTS 106 via hardware, software, orcombinations thereof.

In the past, MNOs often maintained, operated, and controlled wirelessbase stations themselves for the purposes of providing communicationswith UEs. For example, an MNO employing LTE communications may operate aplurality of eNodeBs in an area to provide wireless services tosubscribing UEs in that area.

Now operators are capable of acting as backhaul operators. For example,MSOs are seeking to increase their value to the MNOs by providingalternative backhaul paths for communication between UEs, such as UE105, and the mobile core, such as mobile core 107. MSOs and wirelessoperators currently employ wireless devices, a non-limiting example ofwhich is small cell 103, for capturing a wireless data transmission andpassing it through a backhaul system, such as that shown in FIG. 1. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1, the backhaul system includes modem 102, MTS106, and optionally meditator 101. The small cell 103 comprises many ofthe features of a larger base station such as the air-to-air interfaceand protocol handling. In some instances, the small cell 103 may be amulti-radio hotspot providing for Wi-Fi, as well as LTE LicensedAssisted Access (LTE-LAA) or LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U).

In an alternative embodiment communication is Wi-Fi communication and isbetween a STA (not shown) a Wi-Fi core (not shown). To modify the systemof FIG. 1 to accommodate the Wi-Fi embodiment the skilled artisan wouldreplace small cell 103 with a Wi-Fi station (STA) and the mobile core107 with a Wi-Fi core.

Small cells and similar wireless technologies (collectively discussedand represented herein as small cells) represent new opportunities forMNOs. These new small cells allow operators to use existing spectrummore efficiently, and promote greater deployment flexibility, all at alower cost. Small cells also reduce radio access network build-out whileimproving the end user experience by providing increased access tomobile networks. Additionally, because small cells are much smaller,they can reduce a base station's footprint and have less environmentalimpact (e.g., in terms of power consumption).

The MSOs and MNOs, evolving from different technologies, generallyemploy different communication protocols and offer little insight toeach other. For example, the MSOs may employ the DOCSIS protocol totransport data to and from the modem 102. The MNOs, on the other hand,may employ a variety of wireless protocols including EDGE (Enhanced Datarates for GSM Evolution), 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, or the like. While theMTS 106 and the modem 102 may be able to transport the wireless servicetraffic of the UE 105 and the mobile core 107, the MTS 106 and the modem102 need not process the data transmitted. Rather, the MTS 106 and themodem 102 may simply route the traffic between the appropriate parties.In the example of FIG. 1, traffic is routed between UE 105 and mobilecore 107 via small cell 103, modem 102, and MTS 106.

When a UE or a mobile core wants to establish a communication sessionwith the other, the UE, small cell and mobile core exchange datasessions establishment with control signaling that includes QoSparameters. The QoS parameters describe a service quality for the datatransmitted over the impending wireless session. To transport thewireless traffic of the UE 105 and the mobile core 107, the MTS 106 andthe modem 102 need to establish a communication session that allows awireless session between the UE 105 and the mobile core 107 to occur. Toensure Quality of Experience (QoE) for the end user that consume thewireless session, the backhaul link between the MTS 106 and the modem102 should have matching or similar QoS provisions as the QoSrequirements exchanged between the UE 105 and mobile core 107.

However, the QoS information contained in the LTE signaling is unknownby the backhaul system. Since the MTS 106 and the modem 102 are unawareof the underlying wireless traffic, the MTS 106 and the modem 102 do notknow when a wireless session is being established. So, the MTS 106 andthe modem 102 cannot understand what types of Quality of Service (QoS)need to be employed. For example, in LTE, the mobile core 107 may needto establish QoS parameters for the UE 105 based on the subscriptioninformation of the UE 105 and the type of media being requested by theapplication in use by the UE 105. LTE identifies QoS with a QoS ClassIdentifier (QCI), and can employ traffic prioritization such asAllocation and Retention Priority (ARP), a Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), aMaximum Bit Rate (MBR), an Access Point Name-Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate(APN-AMBR), a UE-AMBR, or some combination thereof.

This lack of insight by the backhaul system into the wireless sessionsetup process and the associated QoS requirement for the session,affects the ability of the backhaul system to provide adequate QoS onthe communication link between the modem 102 and the MTS 106. In case ofhigh priority high bandwidth applications such as live video streaming,the MTS 106 is not aware of the QoS requirements needed to transport thedata between itself and the modem 102. Thus, some blocks of data may bedelayed such that they may no longer be relevant to the video and aretherefore dropped. When this occurs regularly, the quality of a livestreaming video and the user's quality of experience (QoE) are degradedsignificantly.

Now, even if the MTS 106 becomes aware of the QoS requirement for thesession requested by either the UE 105, or the mobile core 107, the timeit takes to set up adequate QoS provisions between the MTS 106 and themodem 102 adds latency to the existing wireless session setup process.Consequently, the end user's wireless session start time is delayed dueto the serial setup processes (e.g., due to serial setup procedure ofLTE and DOCSIS sessions), and the user's QoE is still affected.

The present embodiments provide for the backhaul QoS signaling (e.g.,via a DOCSIS protocol) to be completed in parallel with the wirelesssession establishment (e.g., LTE wireless session establishment). Thepresent embodiments therefore enable the backhaul system to become awareof the QoS requirement for the wireless traffic such that they providefor the provisioning of the wireless session(s) accordingly, as well asenables the provisioning process to occur without added latency.

In this embodiment, the MTS 106 is configured to identify the variousaspects of the wireless session. For example, the MTS 106 may include amediator 101 comprising functionality of a gateway. In this regard, theMTS 106 can intercept a request from the UE 105 (e.g., via the CSS 104)that indicates whether the UE 105 needs to establish a session totransfer data to the mobile core 107. This may direct the MTS 106 toinitiate the establishment of a communication session between the MTS106 and the modem 102.

Alternatively or additionally, the MTS 106 may be configured withfunctionality of the mobile core 107 to decode and interpret LTEmessages. For example, in a DOCSIS protocol embodiment, the MTS 106 is aCMTS, and may include functionality of an LTE gateway that is operableto intercept a session establishment request from the UE 105 indicatingthat it needs to start a wireless session to the mobile core 107. Thismay direct the MTS 106 to initiate the establishment of a communicationsession between the MTS 106 and the modem 102.

The MTS 106, mediator 101, and/or CSS 104 may also intercept a responseto the request from the mobile core 107 (e.g., via mediator 101 or CSS104). For example, when the mobile core 107 receives a request from theUE 105, the mobile core 107 establishes the requested wireless sessionbetween the mobile core 107 and the UE 105. This may includeestablishing the parameters of the QoS for the wireless session. The MTS106 may intercept this information and initiate the setup of thecommunication session between the MTS 106 and the modem 102 using thoseQoS parameters for the wireless session to ensure that the user of theUE 105 has an acceptable QoE. The MTS 106 and the modem 102 worktogether to ensure that the QoS of the transport properly matches orsupports the QoS of the wireless session. The MTS 106 and the modem 102do so without unnecessarily consuming or reserving too many networkresources. The operator determines how the QoS mechanism is applied tosupport the QoS Class Identifiers (QCIs), and configures these policyrules into the gateway, allowing the operator to optimize resources forQoS on their network.

Alternatively or additionally, the mobile core 107 may communicate outof band signaling (00B) indicating that a wireless session between themobile core 107 and the UE 105 is to be established. The MTS 106,mediator 101, and/or CSS 104 are operable to detect that signaling andinitiate or participate in the establishment of a communication sessionbetween the MTS 106 and modem 102 to accommodate the wireless session.

Because the MTS 106, mediator 101, and/or CSS 104 intercepts thewireless session set-up data during the initiation of the wirelesssession, the communication session with the needed QoS can beestablished in parallel or at least partially in parallel to thewireless session rather than in series. For example, some operators mayuse DOCSIS network for backhauling traffic of the mobile core 107.DOCSIS and radio networks, such as LTE, have separate schedulingalgorithms that result in longer communication latencies. That is, aradio network schedules traffic from the UE 105 differently than an MTS,such as an CMTS, schedules traffic from the modem 102. This oftenresults in the mobile core 107 needing to wait until the DOCSIS networkcompletes a session establishment before the proper QoS sessionestablishment can be completed. These embodiments overcome that byallowing the MTS 106 to establish the communication session with themodem 102 substantially in parallel with the mobile core 107establishing the wireless session with the UE 105.

Based on the foregoing, the UE 105 is any device, system, software, orcombination thereof operable to communicate wirelessly with a wirelessnetwork using any one or more wireless protocols including, 2G, 3G, 4G,5G, LTE, LTE-U, LTE-LAA, or the like, as well as with a Wi-Fi networkusing any one or more wireless service protocols including 802.11ax.Examples of the UE 105 include, but are not limited to, laptopcomputers, tablet computers, and wireless telephones such as smartphones. The small cell 103 is any device, system, software, orcombination thereof operable to provide an air-to-air interface 110 forthe mobile core 107, one example of which is a Wi-Fi core. Examples ofthe small cell 103 include Wi-Fi access points and base stationsoperating as eNodeBs in a wireless network. The modem 102 is any device,system, software, or combination thereof operable to provide datatransfers with an MTS. Examples of the modem 102 include DOCSIS enabledset-top boxes, an Optical Network Unit or fiber optic modem, and asatellite modem. The MTS 106 is any device, system, software, orcombination thereof operable to communicate with the modem 102 as wellas provide a wireless service session through the communication linkprovided by the modem 102 and the MTS 106.

Again, the CSS 104 and its components may implement the functionalityfor establishing the communication session setup stated herein. The CSS104 may be any device, system, software, or combination thereof operablewith or in the mediator 101 and/or the MTS 106 to implement saidfunctionality. Other exemplary embodiments are shown and describedbelow.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 200 operablewith the MTS 106 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the small cell 103communicates with the UE 105 over the air-to-air interface 110 andforwards any UE data to the modem 102. The modem 102 may forward thedata to the MTS 106. The CSS 104 receives the data, in the processelement 201, and determines whether the data includes a request for awireless session, in the process element 202. For example, the CSS 104may evaluate all or a portion of the data from the UE 105 and determinewhether the UE 105 is transmitting a request to the mobile core 107 suchthat the mobile core 107 can establish a wireless session with UE 105.Optionally mediator 101, which in is communication with MTS 106,determines whether the data includes a request for a wireless session.

If it is determined in process element 202, the data from the UE 105does not contain such a request, the CSS 104 simply forwards the data tothe mobile core 107 servicing the UE 105, in the process element 203,and process 200 ends. If it is determined in process element 202, thedata from the UE 105 does include a request to establish a wirelesssession, then the CSS 104 forwards, or is optionally instructed by themediator 101 to forward, the request to the mobile core 107, in theprocess element 204. In an embodiment, the CSS 104 may inspect trafficfrom the mobile core 107 intended for the UE 105. In this regard, theCSS 104 may intercept setup information for wireless session from themobile core 107, in the process element 205.

The CSS 104 propagates the setup information to the modem 102 such thatit may forward the setup information to the small cell 103 and to the UE105 over the air-to air-interface 110. This allows the mobile core 107to setup a wireless session with the UE 105. As the CSS 104 hasdetermined that the mobile core 107 is setting up the wireless sessionwith UE 105, the CSS 104 initiates a communication session between theMTS 106 and the modem 102 based on the intercepted setup information, inthe process element 206. Thus, the MTS 106 sets up its communicationsession with the modem 102 while the mobile core 107 is setting up itswireless session with the UE 105, thereby reducing latencies associatedwith the differences between the wireless and wireline protocols.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary communication diagram of the wireless servicelink of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the small cell 103 communicates withthe UE 105 over the air-to-air interface 110 via a wireless protocol.Thus, when the UE 105 communicates with the mobile core 107, the UE 105communicates via the wireless protocol.

When the UE 105 launches an application, the application may request anew wireless session through the mobile core 107. Accordingly, the UE105 transfers a bearer resource allocation request to the mobile core107 via the small cell 103. The small cell 103 forwards the request tothe modem 102. The modem 102 forwards the request onto the MTS 106 overthe communication link. The MTS 106 or an associated mediator 101 (e.g.,via the functionality of the CSS 104) may intercept the request (element120) and recognize it as a bearer resource allocation request from theUE 105. This would allow the MTS 106 or the associated mediator 101,independently or cooperatively, to prepare for a response from themobile core 107 indicating that is about to establish a wireless sessionwith the UE 105.

The MTS 106 or the associated mediator 101 (e.g., via the functionalityof the CSS 104), independently or cooperatively, forwards the request tothe mobile core 107 and waits for the associated response. When themobile core 107 transfers a dedicated bearer context activation (e.g., aEvolved Packet System (EPS) bearer context activation), the MTS 106intercepts that activation message (element 121) and processes all or aportion of the message to access to determine that the mobile core 107is establishing a wireless session with the UE 105. Accordingly, the MTS106 extracts activation message data, such as but not limited to the QoSparameters, from the activation message. The MTS 106 does this toestablish, for example, the same or compatible QoS parameters with thecommunication session between the MTS 106 and the modem 102. Then, theMTS 106 establishes a communication session between the MTS 106 and themodem 102 (e.g., via a DOCSIS Dynamic Service Flow (DSx) message), aswell as forwards the activation message to the small cell 103, which inturn forwards it to the UE 105. Thus, the MTS 106 establishes the setupof communication session after or substantially at the same time thewireless session is finalized. Once the wireless session is established,wireless communications can commence between the UE 105 and the mobilecore 107 because the communication session between the MTS 106 and themodem 102 has already been established.

The invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardwareand software elements. Embodiments utilizing network functionsvirtualization (NFV) and virtualized hardware, such as a virtualizedMTS, modem, etc., are also contemplated. In one embodiment, theinvention is implemented in whole or in part in software, which includesbut is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc. FIG.4 illustrates a computing system 300 in which a computer readable medium306 may provide instructions for performing any of the methods disclosedherein.

Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer programproduct accessible from the computer readable medium 306 providingprogram code for use by or in connection with a computer or anyinstruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, thecomputer readable medium 306 can be any apparatus that can tangiblystore the program for use by or in connection with the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device, including the computer system300.

The medium 306 can be any tangible electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus ordevice). Examples of a computer readable medium 306 include asemiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computerdiskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), arigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Some examples of optical disksinclude compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read/write(CD-R/W) and DVD.

The computing system 300, suitable for storing and/or executing programcode, can include one or more processors 302 coupled directly orindirectly to memory 308 through a system bus 310. The memory 308 caninclude local memory employed during actual execution of the programcode, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storageof at least some program code in order to reduce the number of timescode is retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/output orI/O devices 304 (including but not limited to keyboards, displays,pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly orthrough intervening I/O controllers. Network adapters may also becoupled to the system to enable the computing system 300 to becomecoupled to other data processing systems, such as through host systemsinterfaces 312, or remote printers or storage devices throughintervening private or public networks. Modems and Ethernet cards arejust a few of the currently available types of network adapters.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary system operable to providewireless service for a plurality of UEs 105-1-105-N (where “N” is simplyintended to represent an integer greater than “1” and not necessarilyequal to any other “N” reference designated herein). For example,upstream and downstream links of the exemplary communication systemoffers high speed data services over connected devices, such as themodem 102. The modem 102 may be configured with or receivecommunications from the small cell 103 so as to allow the UEs 105 tocommunicate through the communication system in a manner that istransparent to the user.

The communication system includes a communication component 401configured with an upstream hub 420. The hub 420 is coupled to a fibernode 421 via optical communication links 405 and 406. The hub 420includes an MTS 106, an electrical to optical converter 403, and anoptical to electrical converter 404. The node 421 is similarlyconfigured with an optical to electrical converter 408 and an electricalto optical converter 407.

The communication component 401 is the source for various communicationsignals. Antennas may receive communication signals that are convertedas necessary and transmitted over fiber optic cables 405 to the hub 420.Several hubs may be connected to a single communication component 401and the hub 420 may each be connected to several nodes 421 by fiberoptic cable links 405 and 406. The MTS 106 may be configured in thecommunication component 401 or in the hub 420.

Downstream, such as in homes/businesses, are devices that operate asdata terminals. These data terminals are modems. A modem can acts as ahost for an Internet Protocol (IP) device such as personal computer.However, the modem can be configured with a small cell so as to providewireless services through the system for the UEs 105-1-105-N.

In this embodiment, transmissions from the MTS 106 to the modem 102 arecarried over the downstream portion of the communication systemgenerally in the band between 54 MHz and 3 GHz, for example. Downstreamdigital transmissions are continuous and are typically monitored by manymodems. Upstream transmissions from the modems to the MTS 106 are, forexample, typically carried in the 5-600 MHz frequency band, the upstreambandwidth being shared by the Modems that are on-line. However, withgreater demands for data, additional frequency bands and bandwidths arecontinuously being deployed in the downstream and upstream paths. It isalso possible that modems 102 and the MTS 106 engage in full duplextransmission modes, whereby concurrent transmissions on the upstream andthe downstream over the same frequency is supported. Equivalentcommunications and protocols for fiber optic transmissions are alsocontemplated, for example, using an optical network terminal (ONT) oroptical line termination (OLT), and an optical network unit (ONU), andequivalent protocols such as EPON, RFOG, or GPON.

The MTS 106 connects the system to the Internet backbone. The MTS 106connects to the downstream path through an electrical to opticalconverter 404 that is connected to the fiber optic cable 406, which inturn, is connected to an optical to electrical converter 408 at the node421. The signal is transmitted to a diplexer 409 that combines theupstream and downstream signals onto a single cable. The diplexer 409allows the different frequency bands to be combined onto the same cable.

After the downstream signal leaves the node 421, the signal is typicallycarried by a coaxial cable 430. At various stages, a power inserter 410may be used to power the coaxial line equipment, such as amplifiers orother equipment. The signal may be split with a splitter 411 to branchthe signal. Further, at various locations, bi-directional amplifiers 412may boost and even split the signal. Taps 413 along branches provideconnections to subscriber's homes 414 and businesses.

Upstream transmissions from subscribers to the hub 420/headend 401 occurby passing through the same coaxial cable 430 as the downstream signals,in the opposite direction on a different frequency band. The upstreamsignals are sent typically utilizing Quadrature Amplitude Modulation(QAM) with forward error correction. The upstream signals can employQPSK or any level of QAM, including 8 QAM, 32 QAM, 64 QAM, 128 QAM, 256QAM, 512 QAM, 1024 QAM, and 4096 QAM. Modulation techniques such asSynchronous Code Division Multiple Access (S-CDMA) and OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) can also be used. Of course,any type of modulation technique can be used, as desired.

Upstream transmissions, in this embodiment, can be sent in afrequency/time division multiplexing access (FDMA/TDMA) scheme, orOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). The diplexer 409splits the lower frequency signals from the higher frequency signals sothat the lower frequency, upstream signals can be applied to theelectrical to optical converter 407 in the upstream path. The electricalto optical converter 407 converts the upstream electrical signals tolight waves which are sent through fiber optic cable 405 and received byoptical to electrical converter 403 in the node 420. The fiber opticlinks 405 and 406 are typically driven by laser diodes, such as FabryPerot and distributed feedback laser diodes.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary communication diagram of the wireless servicelink employing Wi-Fi. In FIG. 6, the communication diagram isillustrated as part of a Wi-Fi association setup. In this regard, thecommunication link established between the modem 102 and the MTS 106interfaces with a Wi-Fi core 501 as well as an access point (AP) 502(e.g., wireless access point or “WAP”). The AP 502 communicates with aWi-Fi station (STA) 503 such that the STA 503 can transmit data to theWi-Fi core 501.

When the STA 503 needs to transmit data to the Wi-Fi core 501, the STA503 issues an “association request” to the AP 502. The AP 502 transfersthe association request to the modem 102 which, in turn, issues arequest to the MTS 106 to transfer data. The MTS 106 transfers a MAP (orsome other granting mechanism) to the modem 102 granting the modem 102 adata transfer. At or about the same time, the AP 502 communicates withthe STA 503 as part of a security process until the AP 502 accepts theassociation with the STA 503.

When the AP 502 accepts the association with the STA 503, the AP 502forwards the accepted association to the modem 102 such that it maytransfer the accepted association to the MTS 106. The MTS 106 transfersa MAP (or some other granting mechanism) to the modem 102 such that itcan prepare for the data from the STA 503. And, when the STA 503receives the accepted association from the AP 502, the STA 503 begins totransfer its data. As the communication link between the modem 102 andthe MTS 106 has already been established, the AP 502 can simply transferthe data to the Wi-Fi core 501 through the granted communication linkbetween the modem 102 and the MTS 106.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary communication diagram of the wireless servicelink of FIG. 1 illustrating a network initiated session. In thisembodiment, the mobile core 107 transfers a bearer alert to the MTS 106.The MTS 106 may intercept the alert (element 130) and recognize it as anetwork initiated bearer alert for the UE 105. This would allow the MTS106 to prepare to respond to the impending wireless sessionestablishment by preparing to set up a communication session on betweenthe MTS 106 and the modem 102. The MTS 106 then transfers the alert tothe UE 105 through the modem 102 and the small cell 103. Again, thesmall cell 103 communicates with the UE 105 over the air-to-airinterface 110 via a wireless protocol. Thus, when the UE 105communicates with the mobile core 107, the UE 105 communicates via thewireless protocol. From there, the mobile core 107 transfers a dedicatedbearer context activation (e.g., a Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearercontext activation), the MTS 106 intercepts that activation message(element 121) and understands that the mobile core 107 is establishing awireless session with the UE 105, and in turn, initiates a session setupon the communication link (e.g., via DSx for DOCSIS). The communicationscontinue as with that shown and described in FIG. 3.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a communication sessionsetup (CSS) interceptor operable to relay a request for a wirelesssession of a user equipment (UE) between a modem and a mobile coreservicing the UE; and a communication session setup (CSS) processoroperable to examine setup information for the wireless session from themobile core in response to the request, to initiate a communicationsession between the modem and a Modem Termination System (MTS) based onthe intercepted setup information, and to facilitate the transmission ofthe wireless session through the communication session when the mobilecore completes setup of the wireless session with the UE.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein: at least one of the CSS interceptor and the CSSprocessor is configured with the MTS.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein:at least one of the CSS interceptor and the CSS processor is configuredwith a mediator in communication with the MTS.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein: the setup information comprises an Evolved Packet System (EPS)bearer activation for the wireless session establishing Quality ofService (QoS) parameters for the wireless session of the UE.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein: the CSS processor is further operable tointercept the QoS parameters of the EPS bearer activation, and to usethe QoS parameters for the communication session.
 6. The system of claim4, wherein: the QoS parameters comprise a QoS Class Identifier (QCI), anAllocation and Retention Priority (ARP), a Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), aMaximum Bit Rate (MBR), an Access Point Name-Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate(APN-AMBR), a UE-AMBR, or a combination thereof.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein: the mobile core is operable to communicate with another UEthrough an eNodeB via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein: the CSS processor is further operable tocommunicate with the modem via a Data Over Cable Service InterfaceSpecification (DOCSIS) protocol.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein: theCSS processor is further operable to initiate the communication sessionwith the modem using Dynamic Service Flow (DSx) messaging of the DOCSISprotocol.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the setup informationcomprises a network initiated bearer alert for the wireless sessionestablishing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters for the wirelesssession of the UE.
 11. A method, comprising: initiating a communicationsession between a Modem Termination System (MTS) and a modem based onintercepted setup information to support a forthcoming wireless session;and providing the wireless session through the communication sessionsetup.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: routing a requestfor the communication session between the modem and the MTS.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, wherein: the setup information comprises an EvolvedPacket System (EPS) bearer activation for the wireless sessionestablishing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters for the wirelesssession of the UE.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:intercepting the QoS parameters of the EPS bearer activation; and usingthe QoS parameters for the communication session.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein: the QoS parameters comprise a QoS Class Identifier(QCI), an Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP), a Guaranteed Bit Rate(GBR), a Maximum Bit Rate (MBR), an Access Point Name-Aggregate MaximumBit Rate (APN-AMBR), a UE-AMBR, or a combination thereof.
 16. The methodof claim 11, wherein: the mobile core is operable to communicate withanother UE through an eNodeB via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol.17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: communicating with themodem via a Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)protocol.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: initiating thecommunication session with the modem using Dynamic Service Flow (DSx)messaging of the DOCSIS protocol.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein:the setup information comprises a network initiated bearer alert for thewireless session establishing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters forthe wireless session of the UE.
 20. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: intercepting setup information for the wireless session froma mobile core.
 21. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprisinginstructions that, when executed by a processor, direct the processorto: intercept setup information for a wireless session from a mobilecore; initiate a communication session between a Modem TerminationSystem (MTS) and a modem based on the intercepted setup information tosupport a forthcoming wireless session; and provide the wireless sessionthrough the communication session setup.
 22. The computer readablemedium of claim 21, further comprising further comprising instructionsthat direct the processor to: route a request for the communicationsession between the modem and the MTS.
 23. The computer readable mediumof claim 21, wherein: the setup information comprises an Evolved PacketSystem (EPS) bearer activation for the wireless session establishingQuality of Service (QoS) parameters for the wireless session of the UE.24. The computer readable medium of claim 23, further comprisinginstructions that direct the processor to: intercept the QoS parametersof the EPS bearer activation; and use the QoS parameters for thecommunication session.
 25. The computer readable medium of claim 23,wherein: the QoS parameters comprise a QoS Class Identifier (QCI), anAllocation and Retention Priority (ARP), a Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), aMaximum Bit Rate (MBR), an Access Point Name-Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate(APN-AMBR), a UE-AMBR, or a combination thereof.
 26. The computerreadable medium of claim 22, wherein: the mobile core is operable tocommunicate with another UE through an eNodeB via a Long Term Evolution(LTE) protocol.
 27. The computer readable medium of claim 21, furthercomprising instructions that direct the processor to: communicate withthe modem via a Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)protocol.
 28. The computer readable medium of claim 27, furthercomprising instructions that direct the processor to: initiate thecommunication session with the modem using Dynamic Service Flow (DSx)messaging of the DOCSIS protocol.
 29. The computer readable medium ofclaim 21, wherein: the setup information comprises a network initiatedbearer alert for the wireless session establishing Quality of Service(QoS) parameters for the wireless session of the UE.